Head Of Kentucky Democratic Party Urges Republican Candidates For Governor To Release Income Tax Returns. Sounds Like A Good Idea To Me.

Ky. Democratic head urges release of tax returns
By ROGER ALFORD

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- State Democratic Party Chairman Dan Logsdon called Tuesday for two Republican gubernatorial candidates to release their tax returns, suggesting they may be trying to hide pertinent information about their personal finances.

Logsdon's remarks were directed at state Senate President David Williams and Louisville businessman Phil Moffett, two of the three GOP gubernatorial candidates seeking to run against Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear.

Both Williams and Moffett have refused to release their tax returns, while the third candidate, Jefferson County Clerk Bobbie Holsclaw, is scheduled to release hers on Friday.

"When running for governor, a person has an obligation to be honest, open and transparent with the people of Kentucky," Logsdon said during a press conference at Kentucky Democratic Headquarters in Frankfort.

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who is running unopposed in his party's primary, publicly releases his tax returns each year and has said he will do the same this year.

Logsdon especially targeted Williams, pointing to statements he had made to newspapers some 20 years ago when he called for then-Republican-gubernatorial candidate Larry Forgy to release his income tax forms.

Williams campaign manager Scott Jennings called Logsdon "Beshear's grinder monkey," and said that he is simply trying to divert attention away from the governor's inability to improve the state's economy, create jobs or manage a shrinking state budget.

"No other gubernatorial candidate in Kentucky history has such an extensive public disclosure of his personal financial history as David Williams," Jennings said. "David has been filing financial disclosure forms with the Legislative Branch Ethics Commission since 1993, and this year filed an additional form with the Executive Branch Ethics Commission as a candidate."

Moffett campaign manager David Adams used Logsdon's remarks to remind voters that Moffett wants to eliminate the state's income tax, saying it hurts job creation. Adams also joined Logsdon in criticizing Williams for being "on both sides of yet another issue."

Holsclaw said in a statement that it's important for gubernatorial candidates to release income tax returns.

"I'm not surprised by the state chairman calling for the release of their tax returns," she said. "It's time for Williams and Moffett to come clean with the voters of Kentucky."